Get-together shoppers looking for low-fat options
You want to compare the fat content on the exact pack, rather than relying on the product name alone. For solid foods, the European Commission defines ‘low fat’ as no more than 3 g of fat per 100 g.
Who is this choice relevant to?
Snackers keeping an eye on portions
You want to consider sugars as well as fat, along with how much you put out on the table. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends a maximum of 20 g of dried fruit per day; this is dietary advice, not a legal purchase limit.
Hosts checking ingredients
You’re sharing snacks with others and want to be able to check the ingredients, allergens and storage instructions. The NVWA states that allergen information for prepacked products is shown on the label.
What should you look for when buying?
For a neighbourhood get-together, start by comparing the nutritional information on each pack. Then choose the ingredients and quantity, and check the storage instructions to suit your guests and the occasion.
| What to consider | What should you check? | Who is this important to? |
|---|---|---|
| Fat content and product type | Compare the fat per 100 g on the exact pack and check whether it’s fruit, crisps or a mix. | If I’m mainly watching fat for the get-together, I want to compare the packaging itself; around 33% of consumers rank fat as their top purchasing priority. |
| Sugars and portions | Read the nutritional information for sugars and decide how much you want to serve. | I also want to know how much sugar will be on the table and how much I’m serving; around 27% of consumers give sugar and portions the highest priority. |
| Ingredients for guests | Check both ‘contains’ and ‘may contain’ on the label, and keep the packaging to hand. | If guests need to avoid certain ingredients or allergens, I want to be able to show them the information on the pack; around 20% of consumers put this first. |
| Quantity and storage | Choose a pack size that matches the quantity you need and follow the storage instructions for that product. | I want to buy enough without overlooking the storage instructions for leftovers; around 20% of consumers make this their top purchasing priority. |
For solid foods, the European Commission defines ‘low fat’ as no more than 3 g of fat per 100 g. A low fat content alone does not substantiate a ‘reduced fat’ claim; assess the claim for the exact product.
Common pitfalls
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Confusing low fat with low sugar
Fat and sugars are separate nutritional values. PLUS product information lists 0 g of added sugars and 53.4 g of sugars per 100 g.
Check sugars separately from fat and choose an amount that suits what you want to serve.
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Applying the storage instructions for one pack to all the others
Storage instructions vary by product. Albert Heijn says to refrigerate its soaked apricots after opening, while Jumbo says to store its product in a cool, dry, dark place.
Read the instructions on the pack you’re buying before opening it.
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Throwing the packaging away before guests have checked the ingredients
According to the NVWA, allergen information for prepacked products is shown on the label.
Keep the original packaging with the food so guests can check the information for themselves.
Relevant brands for reference
Albert Heijn
The product information describes soaked dried apricots in a 250 g pack.
- Albert Heijn lists 0.6 g of fat per 100 g.
- The product contains sulphites; once opened, it should be refrigerated at a maximum of 7 °C.
Jumbo
The product information describes pitted dried apricots in a 250 g pack.
- Jumbo lists 0.5 g of fat per 100 g.
- The product contains sulphites and, according to Jumbo, may contain nuts, peanuts and sesame.
Lidl
Lidl presents Alesto as a range of dried fruit and nuts, including apricots.
- The range includes various types of dried fruit and nuts.
- As the range includes both fruit and nuts, check the nutritional information on the individual pack.
Aldi
ALDI lists Trader Joe’s sun-dried apricots in a 250 g pack.
- ALDI describes the apricots as soft.
- That description comes from the retailer; check the nutritional information on the pack for the fat content.
PLUS
PLUS describes dried apricots in a 375 g stand-up pouch.
- PLUS lists 0.5 g of fat per 100 g and 0 g of added sugars.
- The product contains sulphites. A 375 g pack won’t automatically suit every get-together.
Dirk
Dirk has product information for pitted apricots.
- The product page describes the apricots as pitted.
- Check the nutritional information and ingredients on the pack you choose.
Joybuy products for a dried fruit get-together
These products are different types of dried fruit to consider for a get-together. Compare the nutritional information, ingredients and quantity on each pack.
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OHLA dried guava 180g
An option if you’d like to serve dried guava; also compare the fat, sugars and ingredients on the pack.
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PHILIPPINE BRAND dried mango 100 g
An option if you’d like to share dried mango; check the nutritional information and ingredients on this pack.
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MUSHAN BASE dried mango 50g
An option if you’re looking for dried mango in a 50g pack; compare the nutritional information on the pack.
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MUSHAN BASE dried strawberry slices 50g
An option if you’d like to serve dried strawberries; check the ingredients and nutritional information on the pack.
Frequently asked questions
Does ‘low fat’ mean the same as ‘reduced fat’?
No. For solid foods, the European Commission defines ‘low fat’ as no more than 3 g of fat per 100 g. A low fat content alone does not substantiate a claim such as ‘reduced fat’; check the evidence for the exact product.
What portion of dried fruit should I allow for?
The Netherlands Nutrition Centre recommends a maximum of 20 g of dried fruit per day. This is dietary advice, not a legal limit, and that amount won’t automatically suit everyone.
Does dried fruit need to be refrigerated after opening?
Follow the instructions on the exact pack. Albert Heijn says to refrigerate its soaked dried apricots after opening, while Jumbo says to store its dried apricots in a cool, dry, dark place.
What allergen information should I check on a prepacked snack?
Check the label on the exact product and keep the packaging available for your guests. According to the NVWA, allergen information for prepacked products is shown on the label; Jumbo’s apricots also state that they may contain nuts, peanuts and sesame.
Does ‘pitted’ mean there can never be a piece of stone left behind?
No. Jumbo warns that, exceptionally, a piece of stone or stone fragments may be present.